At last, Courtney Upshaw goes to the Baltimore Ravens with 3rd pick in 2nd round

Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw (41) heads for the endzone after interception a Florida pass for a touchdown in the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. (Press-Register, G.M. Andrews)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Courtney Upshaw finally received permission to exit Radio City Music Hall's green room.

The former Alabama linebacker didn't hesitate one second to leave it behind for good.

Upshaw was the third player off the board during Friday's second round, going 35th overall to the Baltimore Ravens. He's the fifth Alabama player to be selected in this year's draft, joining the four Crimson Tide players who were selected during Thursday's first round.

Upshaw, a Eufaula native, was one of six players who attended the draft to go unselected during Thursday's first round. He was the second to leave the room Friday.

In the months before the draft, concerns arose about Upshaw's ability to fit into a specific position at the professional level. To the extreme skeptics, he was an oversized linebacker or an undersized defensive ends with short arms. It was the likely reason behind why he was forced to stay in the Big Apple an extra night.

There was never any doubt, though, about Upshaw's handle of the game. Starting the majority of games in his final two seasons at Alabama, Upshaw emerged as one of the best pass rushers in the country. His senior season was his best, as he finished with a team-high 9.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss.

Upshaw should feel right at home with the Ravens, a defensive-minded AFC North juggernaut. He'll join former teammate Terrence Cody and Alabama great Ozzie Newsome serves as the team's vice president of player personnel.

Will any more Alabama players be selected during tonight's second and third rounds? Stay tuned to al.com to see.